In a recent revelation, the seasoned racer Fernando Alonso provided insights into the exclusive perks that come with being part of the Aston Martin F1 team. Notably, he disclosed his ambitious plan to enrich his personal car collection with the addition of a stunning Valkyrie hypercar, carrying a hefty price tag of $3 million.
Alonso’s decision comes amidst what has been one of his most formidable seasons in a decade, marked by a remarkable eight podium finishes for Aston Martin. This success follows his switch from Alpine last winter, showcasing the Spanish driver’s prowess and adaptability in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
Addressing recent speculations surrounding his potential departure from the team, Alonso vehemently refuted any such notions ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Reports suggested that the driver was frustrated by Aston Martin’s challenges in maintaining their strong start to the season. In a stunning display of determination and skill, Alonso not only dismissed these rumors but also clinched a third-place finish in the race, holding off fierce competition from Sergio Perez’s Red Bull.
The 42-year-old champion, visibly committed to Aston Martin, promised “consequences” for those behind the baseless rumors. Beyond his stellar on-track performances, Alonso shared another compelling reason why he sees a long-term future with the team – his plan to incorporate a custom-made Valkyrie into his Monaco car collection.
Currently navigating the streets in a DBX 707, Alonso is gearing up to welcome the Valkyrie, a powerhouse boasting 1,000bhp. This hypercar, originally conceptualized by F1 tech legend Adrian Newey during Aston Martin’s prior F1 collaboration with Red Bull, is set to make a grand entrance into Alonso’s Monaco garage in the coming months.
Adding a personal touch to this acquisition, Alonso has expressed his desire for the Valkyrie to sport a paint scheme reminiscent of Aston Martin’s F1 car. This aesthetic choice reflects not only his racing allegiance but also his intention to turn heads on the iconic streets of Monte Carlo, creating a harmonious blend of performance and style. As Alonso continues to leave an indelible mark on the racing world, his passion for exceptional cars and dedication to Aston Martin shine through, promising an exciting chapter in his illustrious career.
He told GQ: “I’d hoped for an employee discount! That was my wish – and I took it for granted, probably.
“I went through the specification with them – green with a touch of lime, to look like my F1 car – and then looked to see what the discount was. There was no discount! By then it was too late.
“It’ll attract some eyes, this car. I will not be able to go incognito.”
Alonso’s car enthusiast status made waves earlier this year as he decided to part ways with his prized possession, the Ferrari Enzo. The announcement of its auction raised eyebrows, and in June, the iconic car found a new owner for a staggering €5.4 million.
The Spanish racing maestro enjoyed a significant chapter of his illustrious career as a Ferrari driver, spanning five full seasons from 2010 to 2014. During this period, Alonso showcased his exceptional skill by clinching 11 of his 32 career victories with the Scuderia.
Despite the remarkable achievements, the elusive third World Championship title remained just out of reach for Alonso during his Ferrari tenure. In 2010, he narrowly missed the mark, trailing Sebastian Vettel by a mere four points. The quest for the championship continued two years later, with Alonso falling short by just three points. These close calls added a layer of drama and intensity to Alonso’s Ferrari legacy, creating a narrative of near triumphs that adds to the intrigue of his remarkable Formula 1 journey.